SAT and ACT Announce Changes for 2017-18 Testing Season

SAT to Limit International Test Dates, ACT Adding July Administration Last year saw some big changes for the SAT, and now both the College Board, which administers the SAT, and the ACT have announced changes for the 2017-18 testing season, including tighter security, new test dates, and more. Recently, cheating and test security has been a major problem within SAT administrations, particularly overseas. This has caused many international administrations to be cancelled, scores invalidated, and investigations into how tests are leaked and test questions compromised before the exam is administered. As a result, the SAT has announced some changes to security, testing dates, and more to ensure the integrity of the test. The ACT has also announced some testing date changes, in order to keep pace with the SAT. Below are some changes to the SAT and ACT for 2017-18. August SAT Debuts This Year Previously, it was announced that the SAT would offer an August administration beginning in 2017. This August test will give college bound seniors an extra chance to take the exam before applying to college in the fall. It can also give students extra time to focus on SAT prep this summer. Registration for the August SAT is not open yet, but the registration deadline is July 17. ACT Announces July Test The ACT recently announced that beginning in 2018 it will offer a July exam. This will increase the number of testing dates from six to seven. Unlike the SAT, which removed the January test to accommodate its new August administration, the ACT won’t be removing a current test date in order to include the new July testing. With this additional test date, students will now have seven chances to take the ACT each year. This additional testing date can have an impact on students' ACT prep, so it's important to make a test prep plan as early as possible. Tighter SAT Security Issues with SAT test security and cheating have been pervasive over the last year, with many tests administered overseas either cancelled or scores invalidated because of concerns over whether or not the tests were compromised. According to the College Board, some of the new Security measures will include: Providing the names of test prep companies and individuals we suspect of stealing and receiving secure test content to law enforcement and other government agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Prohibiting individuals from taking the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and Advanced Placement Exams when we conclude they have gained or attempted to gain or share an unfair advantage on any College Board test. Exploring with both colleges and high schools effective ways to share with them – consistent with applicable laws and contractual obligations – whether their applicants or attending students, respectively, have gained or attempted to gain or share an unfair advantage on any College Board test. Increasing test center audits worldwide. Making it easier for students and educators to confidentially and anonymously report suspected cheating. Expanding the College Board's criteria for barring registrants who are taking the SAT for other than one of its intended purposes. Fewer International SAT Test Dates As part of the College Board’s effort to curb cheating overseas, the number of international administrations of the SAT will be limited. This includes canceling the June 2017 international SAT administration. Changes to the international testing schedule include: Reducing the international testing dates for the SAT to four for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, with administrations in October, December, March, and May. Recognizing that international students use both the SAT and SAT Subject Tests to build competitive applications, SAT Subject Tests will be available in October, November, December, May, and June. Canceling the June 2017 international SAT administration, as part of the change to the international test administration schedule. SAT Subject Tests will be available during the June 2017 administration. It’s important to stay informed on testing changes, as this can impact students’ college prep and test prep timelines. For more information on how to best prepare for the SAT or ACT, contact us today. For additional resources on the SAT, ACT, and changes to both exams, check out the below links: SAT Score Conversion Chart Everything You Need to Know About the New SAT: Part I Everything You Need to Know About the New SAT: Part II What Does An August SAT Date Mean For Students? ACT Changing Scoring on the Optional Writing Test SAT and ACT Score Release Dates SAT and ACT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines SAT vs. ACT: Which College Entrance Exam Should You Take? Additional Resources for the ACT Additional Resources for the SAT